The RAAF has unveiled its ‘Worimi’ Hornet, an F/A-18 fighter painted to demonstrate Air Force’s “commitment to indigenous men and women who have served and continue to serve, in the Australian Defence Force”.
The aircraft, which features Aboriginal artwork in honour of the Worimi people, the traditional owners of the land on which RAAF Base Williamtown now sits, was unveiled at Avalon on Tuesday by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Brown, in front of Worimi elders and relatives of WOFF Len Waters, the RAAF’s first indigenous fighter pilot.
AIRMSHL Brown says:“This initiative expresses the Air Force’s commitment to embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and contribution. Air Force values the diversity of all our people and this aircraft is a way to recognise indigenous inclusion in a significant way.
“I am delighted that the aircraft also features the pilot markings of the late Warrant Officer Len Waters – Air Force’s first known Aboriginal fighter pilot.”
The artwork was developed by Australian design studio Balarinji and depicts Kilyarr Kilyarr, the wedgetail eagle, the powerful Australian bird of prey.
CAF adds: “Our people are our greatest asset for delivering air power. If we better understand, value and benefit from our collective diversity, the Air Force will be a better organisation where people feel valued for their contribution to air power.”
